Visa & Residence Permit for International Students in Austria

EU nationals

 Nationals of EU and EEA member countries as well as Swiss nationals do not need visas or residence permits for Austria. When staying in Austria for longer than 3 months they, however, have to apply for a "Lichtbildausweis für EWR-Bürger/innen" which is a confirmation of registration  at the immigration office (Landeshaupmann, Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within 3 months of entry to Austria.

Non EU nationals

 Other foreigners have, if they are staying for longer than 6 months, to apply for a residence permit for study purposes (›Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende‹) 5 at the Austrian representative authority before entry to Austria after receipt of the notification of admission. The application will be sent to Austria and the decision has to be awaited in one’s home country (therefore the application should be submitted at least 3 months before the intended arrival in Austria). Exception: Applicants who are allowed to enter Austria without a visa (information about this is available from the Austrian embassies) may apply for and receive the residence permit from the Immigration Office once they are in Austria.

Documents to be submitted for registration

1. A fully completed and signed application form (available from the representative authority; can also be downloaded from the Internet)

2. Valid passport (should be valid for the whole duration of your stay in Austria)

3. Passport-sized colour photograph (between 3.5 x 4.5 cm and 4.0 x 5.0 cm)

4. Birth certificate

5. Certificate of good conduct (where available)

6. Health insurance for the period of entry to beginning of study (see Health insurance for students)

7. Notification of admission of the Austrian educational institution

8. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover one’s living costs for 12 months in advance (for stuents up to 24 years of age: 426.57 EUR/month; for students over 24 years of age: 772.40 EUR/month (these amounts contain the rent for accommodation of up to 239.15 EUR in 2009), e.g.: savings bank book / account in Austria / declaration of guarantee of a person living in Austria / Travellers Cheques

9. Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, accommodation agreement with a student hall of residence).

The issue of the residence permit is subject to a fee (110 EUR), additional fees may be applicable.

Registration in Austria

In Austria it is compulsory to register with the municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days of entering the country. For this you need a registration form (Meldezettel, available from the registration offices or from the Internet), which must be completed by you and signed by your landlord / landlady, (in youth hostels and hotels this registration is carried out by the management when you check in). A change of address also has to be reported to the registration office within 3 working days. Please do not forget to inform the registration office when you leave Austria.

Nationals of EU/EEA countries and Swiss nationals have to apply additionally for a confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) if they stay in Austria for more than 3 months.

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